CFRP Analysis, Testing and Inspection Evaluation Instruments

Importance of the topic

Composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) offer high specific strength, low density, and corrosion resistance, making them essential in aerospace, automotive, sports, and industrial applications. By reducing component weight, CFRPs directly lower fuel consumption and the environmental footprint of vehicles and structures.

Study objectives and overview

This document presents a comprehensive set of analytical and testing methods for evaluating CFRP performance and reliability. It covers static and dynamic mechanical tests, nondestructive internal observations, thermal and chemical analysis, and solvent and particle dispersion characterization, aiming to support material development, quality control, and end-product durability assessments.

Methodology and instrumentation

Various specialized instruments and techniques are introduced:

• Mechanical testing: Universal testers (Autograph AG-X plus/AGS-X), microcompression testers, servopuls fatigue machines, high-speed tensile (HITS-T10) and puncture (HITS-P10) machines, extensometers, and DIC imaging.
• Microscopy and imaging: AFM (SPM-9700), high-speed video cameras (HyperVision HPV-2A/HPV-X).
• X-ray systems: Microfocus fluoroscopy (SMX-1000), X-ray CT (inspeXio SMX-225CT/100CT).
• Thermal analysis: DSC-60 Plus, TGA-50/51, DTG-60, TMA-60, nanothermal analysis (nano-TA2 with SPM-9700).
• Chemical and compositional analysis: GC/GC-MS, DART-MS, ICPE-9000 ICP emission, FTIR (IRTracer-100), combustion ion chromatography.
• Rheology and dispersion: CFT-500D flow tester, SALD-7500nano laser diffraction particle size analyzer.

Main results and discussion

Nondestructive X-ray CT and fluoroscopy successfully revealed voids, foreign inclusions, and fiber orientation tensors in CFRP samples. Static and high-speed tensile tests quantified elastic modulus, strength, and fracture behavior with microsecond resolution, while DIC provided strain distribution maps. Thermal analysis identified glass transitions and curing peaks in epoxy and polyimide matrices. TG-FTIR and Py-GC/MS detected residual solvents and decomposition gases. DART-MS confirmed trace N-methylpyrrolidone in prepregs. Particle size analysis traced CNT aggregation dynamics.

Benefits and practical applications

• Early defect detection via nondestructive imaging ensures quality control during production.
• High-speed mechanical and optical measurements capture rapid failures, guiding improved laminate designs.
• Thermal and chemical analyses support resin optimization and cure validation in both thermosetting and thermoplastic CFRPs.
• Solvent and dispersion tests enable process tuning to minimize void formation and achieve uniform nanoparticle distributions.

Future trends and possibilities of use

Advancements in real-time in situ monitoring, higher-resolution X-ray and thermal imaging, AI-driven defect recognition, and expanded use of thermoplastic CFRPs are expected. Integration of multimodal data from mechanical, thermal, and chemical analyses will further refine material models and predictive maintenance strategies.

Conclusion

The presented suite of instruments and methods offers a robust framework for comprehensive CFRP evaluation, spanning from raw material characterization to final component testing. These approaches enhance understanding of failure mechanisms, support development of higher-performance composites, and promote reliable application in critical industries.

References

1. Y. Hirano et al. Damage Behavior of CFRP Laminate with a Fastener Subjected to Simulated Lightning Current. ECCM-15, Venice, Italy, June 2012.
2. Murakami et al. Failure Observations and Internal Observations of CFRP. 37th Composite Materials Symposium Lecture Summary, 123–124.
3. Shimadzu Corporation. CFRP Analysis, Testing and Inspection Evaluation Instruments. Application Note C10G-E037, 2015.